Vision of OM becomes reality
The Grand Opening of the incredible spiritual centre and architectural wonder OM Ashram is scheduled for February 2024.
Since the beginning of the year, spiritual aspirants and students of Yoga in Daily Life from all over the world, have been making their way to the OM Vishwa Deep Gurukul Swami Maheshwaranand Ashram near the small village of Jadan, in Pali district, Rajasthan, India, where the official inauguration is due to take place of the largest monument in the form of the ancient Sanskrit symbol OM:
The beauty of the OM Ashram Temple Complex, spread over an area of 250 acres, is truly breathtaking. It's a place where one can wander endlessly and discover one jewel after another of traditional Indian temple architecture, designed according to the ancient principles of the science of Vastu Sastra.
The highlight and literal centre of OM Ashram is the Samadhi Hall of Hindu Dharmsamrat Paramhans Sri Swami Madhavananda Ji, an impressive mausoleum built by Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda Puri Ji, in honour of his beloved master, Holy Guruji.
The Samadhi Hall is characterised by exquisite marble floors, hand-carved stone pillars and ceilings, and the main shrine made of white, hand-carved marble. It's where the murti (devotional statue) of Holy Guruji radiates a serene and divine energy that leaves one speechless.
The Main Temple holds a stunning Shiva temple made of pink sandstone, constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara style, while adhering to the principles of both Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra. The temple's centrepiece is a magnificent Dwadash Jyotirlinga made of black marble, surrounded by 1008 white marble statues of God Shiva, which serve as points of adoration.
The temple's area spans an impressive 1,903 square metres and is supported by 128 intricately hand-carved pillars, each ornamented with unique sculptures of Hindu deities. Each pillar weighs an astonishing 14 tonnes.
The temple is decorated with hand-carved stone slabs and domes. Windows and doors are filled with remarkable traditional Indian latticework in stone, consisting of a criss-crossed pattern of stone strips, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
The main building, shaping the OM symbol, contains 108 residential units, each symbolising the 108 beads of the japa mala (rosary). The crescent moon-shaped lake represents chandra (moon), while the bindu (dot) is represented by a water tower standing 108 feet tall, with twelve temples on each story and the Surya Temple to the sun on the top.
In addition, OM Ashram has various facilities, such as a large conference centre, libraries, and meditation rooms. Together, they foster a serene and divine ambience, offering seekers a place of pilgrimage, a sanctuary for meditation, halls for deepening knowledge, accommodation, and a pure vegetarian diet.
The whole creation of OM Ashram, from the beginning to the end, till the last detail, was envisioned and supervised by Vishwaguruji Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, founder of Yoga in Daily Life. His main thought was that nothing else would better represent the legacy of India’s wisdom to the whole world than the symbol OM.
Realising the greatness and importance of OM Ashram, spiritual seekers from all over the world have participated in one way or another in its creation over the past 30 years. One aspirant who has been actively involved in the construction of OM Ashram from the laying of the foundation stone in 1990 until today, is Swami Yogeshpuri Ji, an architect from Slovenia, whose often-told saying has been, “We are building Om Ashram, and Om Ashram is building us.”
Considering the task of completing such a large project was very challenging, alongside Swami Yogeshpuri, a team of diligent experts including Kriyashakti Ji, Swami Niranjanpuri Ji, Swami Sudarshanpuri Ji and many architects, construction engineers and others, participated in the design, engineering and construction of the project over the years.
Following the guidance in ancient Indian scriptures, inauguration ceremonies for the sustainability and prosperity of OM Ashram will last ten days, from February 10 to 19, 2024. Highly educated pandits versed in Vedic scriptures will perform yagyas, special fire ceremonies. Esteemed spiritual leaders will recite the Shiva Mahapurana, telling the divine stories of Shiva and Parvati, a manifestation of the Shiva Lingam, the significance of the Dwadash Jyotirlinga, and the birth of Lord Ganesh Ji.
Numerous distinguished guests, important personalities of the Indian government, and spiritual leaders will heighten this event, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience for all involved. Thousands of devotees from all over the world are anticipating this holy event with deep gratitude to Vishwaguruji for his work and dedication to making this world a better place.